Energy project money available

Mar 18, 2004

Growers who want to invest in on-farm energy projects may apply for a grant or loan from USDA to help offset the cost. The federal Farm Bill includes $23 million in matching grants and loans to support energy projects. The money is available as part of the Clean Energy Title in Sec 9006. The funds may be used for many projects, from basic energy efficiency upgrades like lighting upgrades to more innovative projects, including wind energy, solar energy and biofuels. The grants were available last year, and, for example, 21 growers in Minnesota received $4 million in funding for wind projects and anaerobic digesters. A firm in Chicago, IL, the Environmental Law and Policy Center, will help growers apply for this funding. For more information, visit www.elpc.org.